SciAccess 2019 Speakers
The Science Accessibility Conference
Dr. Temple Grandin
Professor of Animal Science and Renowned Autism AdvocateOn October 12, 2021, Dr. Chris Boshuizen flew to space on the Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital vehicle, alongside fellow crew member William Shatner of Star Trek. Dr. Boshuizen is the co-founder of Planet Labs, a company providing unprecedented daily, global mapping of our changing planet from space. As the company's CTO for 5 years, he took the company from the drawing board to having launched more satellites into space than any other company in history, completely transforming the space industry along the way.
Dr. Boshuizen was previously a Space Mission Architect at NASA Ames Research Center. After working on a number of traditional spacecraft programs at NASA, Dr. Boshuizen co-created Phonesat, a spacecraft built solely out of a regular smartphone. While at NASA, Dr. Boshuizen also established Singularity University, a school for studying the consequences of accelerating technological development. Initially fulfilling the role of Interim Director, Dr. Boshuizen helped raise over $2.5 million to establish the university, assembled the faculty, and served as co-chair for the University's Department of Space and Sciences.
Dr. Boshuizen received his Ph.D. in Physics (with honors) and BSc. in Physics and Mathematics, both from the University of Sydney.
Anousheh Ansari
First Female Private Space Explorer and Co-Founder and CEO of Prodea SystemsOn September 18, 2006, Anousheh Ansari captured headlines around the world as the first female private space explorer. Anousheh earned a place in history as the fourth private explorer to visit space, the first astronaut of Iranian descent, and the first Muslim woman in space.
Anousheh is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder and chairman of the technology company Prodea Systems. Prior to founding Prodea Systems, Anousheh served as co-founder, CEO and chairman of Telecom Technologies, Inc. The company successfully merged with Sonus Networks, Inc., in 2000. To help drive commercialization of the space industry, Anousheh and her family provided title sponsorship for the Ansari X Prize, a $10 million cash award for the first non-governmental organization to launch a reusable manned spacecraft into space twice within two weeks.
Anousheh immigrated to the United States as a teenager who did not speak English. She earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics and computer engineering from George Mason University, followed by a master’s degree in electrical engineering from George Washington University. She has an honorary doctorate from the International Space University. She is currently working toward a master’s degree in astronomy from Swinburne University. Anousheh believes that space should be accessible to all and is passionate about inspiring youth, especially girls, around the world to pursue their dreams.
Kate Meredith
GLAS President and Director of EducationKate Meredith is the President and Co-founder of Geneva Lake Astrophysics and STEAM (GLAS) Education. Kate is the former Director of Yerkes Education Outreach (YEO) at Yerkes Observatory. She is passionate about making astronomy and STEAM accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or background, and keeping the Geneva Lake community engaged in former YEO programs. One of the key former YEO programs she brings with her to GLAS Education, Innovators Developing Accessible Tools for Astronomy (IDATA), is a software development grant that applies user-centered design to the creation of an accessible astronomy image processing software for blind and visually impaired (BVI) students and adults.
After many years of work to make the products of astronomy accessible to everyone, Kate points to IDATA as the first project she has participated in that addresses the process of astronomy. She and her coworkers also describe IDATA as an important part of the journey to normal, a destination where BVI participation in astronomy is so common that accomplishments are neither met with skepticism nor hero status. Normal is also a place where everyone is welcome to reside in any role they choose, from informed public to amateur, teacher or professional. Kate and her colleagues will share their journey and the innovative products and processes that were built along the way.
Heather Tomko
Ms. Wheelchair USA and Public Health Researcher Heather Tomko is a Research Coordinator in the Health Policy and Management department of the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health, where she is also pursuing a Masters of Public Health. Tomko is an alumna of Carnegie Mellon University, where she studied Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering. In July 2018, Heather was crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA, and is spending the year promoting her platform, “Increasing Inclusion for People with Disabilities into their Communities.
As a woman with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a neuromuscular disease, Tomko is passionate about disability advocacy and access. She serves on the Board of Directors of CLASS, a local disability resources organization, and is the founder of Accessible YOUniverse, an organization focused on disability advocacy, education, and representation. Heather was the winner of the 2018 Dick Thornburgh Disability Service Award, which is awarded to a student at the University of Pittsburgh who has made a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities. She also blogs at The Heather Report (www.theheatherreport.com), where she talks about her life and what it’s like to live with a disability.
Sheri Wells-Jensen
Associate Professor at Bowling Green State UniversitySheri Wells-Jensen is an associate professor specializing in linguistics in the Department of English at Bowling Green State University. She is a member of the Advisory board of Messaging Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (MITI) International, and has given papers on the relationship between intelligence, perception and language at the SETI Institute, the International Space Development Conference, NASA sponsored colloquium, and the University of Washington. She spends a great deal of time thinking about science, disability, and the relationship between thought and language. She will be discussing The Right to Wonder: Access to the Workings and the Beauty of Science.
Senay Daniel
Technical Advisory Consultant at Ernst & Young and Self-AdvocateSenay Daniel, BS, is a consultant within Ernst and Young’s Technology Advisory Program. Born and raised in the greater Columbus area, Senay graduated with honors from Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business in 2018 with a concentration in Management Information Systems. Senay is currently involved with Junior Achievement as a classroom volunteer guiding Columbus City Schools students through courses related to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career planning. Shortly before graduating college, Senay was inspired to begin work to create a support association for people of color with autism.
Dr. Karen Koehler
Assistant Professor at Shawnee State University and Program Director of the Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI) ConsortiumKaren E. Koehler, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Shawnee State University and the Program Director of the TVI Consortium - a multi university collaborative for educator preparation in the area of visual impairments. She completed her Ph.D. at The Ohio State University, has a M.A. in Special Education and a B. S. in Science Education. Dr. Koehler spent over 27 years as the middle school and high school science educator at The Ohio State School for the Blind and is also a certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired. She serves on the Boards of the Division on Visual Impairments and Deafblindness of the Council for Exceptional Children and of the Ohio Chapter of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. She is also a member of the Ohio Deans Compact on Exceptional Children and a member of the advisory boards of the Ohio Center for Deafness and Blindness and the Ohio Center for Deafblind Education.
Dr. Koehler has multiple publications in special education journals and co-authored book chapters on science education for students with visual impairments and science assessment for students with special needs. She has presented at state, regional, national and international conferences on topics related to STEM education for students with visual impairments, 3D printing, standardized testing accommodations and accessibility, science instructional practices for students with visual impairments and collaborative university programs in low incidence sensory disabilities. Dr. Koehler’s research interests include improving instructional strategies in STEM education and accessibility to STEM for students with visual impairments.
Dr. Tiffany Wild
Associate Professor, Program in Visual Impairments at The Ohio State UniversitySenay Daniel, BS, is a consultant within Ernst and Young’s Technology Advisory Program. Born and raised in the greater Columbus area, Senay graduated with honors from Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business in 2018 with a concentration in Management Information Systems. Senay is currently involved with Junior Achievement as a classroom volunteer guiding Columbus City Schools students through courses related to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career planning. Shortly before graduating college, Senay was inspired to begin work to create a support association for people of color with autism.
Ken Perry
American Printing House for the Blind Software Engineer & Project LeadKen’s experience with electronics and programming began in high school and the US Air Force led him to pursue software engineering in college. He also realized from his own experience going through the Veterans Administration rehabilitation program, that technology, when properly designed, is immensely useful to individuals who are blind. Ken earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Software Engineering from Weber State University in Utah as well as a Certificate of Electronics and a Certificate of Digital Communications from the US Air Force. Ken has worked in his current position at the American Printing House for the Blind for the last ten years, following his passion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and developing projects that allow students with blindness to use the same kind of technology that is used by their sighted peers. Ken has worked on numerous projects, including the Braille Plus 18, the first Android-based note taker for those who are blind. He was also project lead on the TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator, an extraordinary device that makes it possible for high school and college students with visual impairments to use the same calculator that other students use in the classroom and on standardized tests. Most recently, he has been the project lead on the new Orbit Reader 20, a low-cost braille display that will finally bring braille to developing countries, and the Graphiti, which is the first multi-level tactile graphic display that allows individuals who are blind to see and manipulate graphics.
Dr. Rosanne Hoffman
American Printing House for the Blind STEM Project LeaderRosanne fell in love with biology in the seventh grade while learning about the parts of the cell and vertebrate anatomy. Her education in the life sciences culminated in a doctorate in biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She continues to pursue her passion for natural science at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), where she has worked for the past 15 years developing science products for K-12 students who are visually impaired. Her goal is to help level the playing field for this population of students by combining her scientific knowledge base with the principles of universal design. She spearheaded many projects including the DNA Twist, DNA-RNA Kit, Protein Synthesis Kit, as well as tactile graphics compilations in the Life and Earth Sciences. In addition to her position at APH, Dr. Hoffmann is an adjunct professor at the University of Louisville where she has been teaching introductory biology for 20 years.
Dr. Jason Nordhaus
Assistant Professor of Physics at the National Technical Institute for the DeafRosanne fell in love with biology in the seventh grade while learning about the parts of the cell and vertebrate anatomy. Her education in the life sciences culminated in a doctorate in biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She continues to pursue her passion for natural science at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), where she has worked for the past 15 years developing science products for K-12 students who are visually impaired. Her goal is to help level the playing field for this population of students by combining her scientific knowledge base with the principles of universal design. She spearheaded many projects including the DNA Twist, DNA-RNA Kit, Protein Synthesis Kit, as well as tactile graphics compilations in the Life and Earth Sciences. In addition to her position at APH, Dr. Hoffmann is an adjunct professor at the University of Louisville where she has been teaching introductory biology for 20 years.
Noreen Grice
You Can Do Astronomy LLC PresidentNoreen Grice is President and Founder of You Can Do Astronomy LLC, an accessibility consulting company that makes astronomy and space science accessible, especially to people with disabilities. Her educational background includes a B.A. and M.S. in astronomy, an MBA and professional certificates in museum studies, non-profit management and assistive technology applications. She worked in the planetarium field for over 30 years, has taught student and teacher workshops and is author of five accessible astronomy books, including three tactile books with NASA. Learn more about Noreen’s work at www.youcandoastronomy.com.
Ashley Neybert
Independence Science Curriculum ConsultantAshley Neybert is an Independence Science Cirriculum Consultant. there, she does custom curriculum design, camp teaching, and Talking LabQuest 2 demonstrations for blind and visually impaired students and their teachers.
Dr. Hervens Jeannis
Rehabilitation EngineerDr. Hervens Jeannis received his bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University and master's degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. While conducting his doctoral studies with a focus on rehabilitation engineering, at the University of Pittsburgh, he was recognized as an NSF IGERT fellow. In his work with the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, he spearheaded a nationwide survey of science and engineering laboratories aimed at enhancing the learning experience of students with physical disabilities. In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Jeannis has also led Bethel Campus Fellowship as the Program Evaluator. In this role, he made significant contributions to the organization by developing, distributing and analyzing survey results for their annual National Conference - which has allowed them to fulfill their mission more effectively.
Gina Tesoriero
Ph.D. Candidate in Learning Science and Human DevelopmentGina Tesoriero was a special education science teacher for ten years. She is now working towards a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Human Development at the University of Washington. Gina is interested in working with teachers to create flexible and equitable science and engineering learning environments.
Ying-Ting Chiu
Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Teaching and LearningYing-Ting Chiu is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the Ohio State University, Columbus. Chiu’s area of study is Language, Education and Society with an emphasis on science education for students with visual impairments. Prior to the pursuit of Ph.D., Chiu’s education, including her major in physics and master’s in science education, serves as the foundation of her area of study. Her current research interests focus on inclusive curriculum design, hands-on material adaptation, conceptual understanding, and science identity. Chiu had worked for three non-profit foundations that all serve students with special needs. Her work experience and the training in visual impairment that she had completed in the first two years of her Ph.D. program has led her to better serve students with visual impairments in learning science.
Dr. Megan Aanstoos
Licensing Analyst at The Ohio State University Technology Commercialization OfficeMegan serves as a Licensing Analyst and Licensing Manager at The Ohio State University. Megan obtained her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, received a Master’s in Bioengineering from the University of Utah, and earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Colorado State University.
Dr. Margo Izzo
Program Director of Transition Services, Nisonger CenterDr. Margo Vreeburg Izzo is the Program Director of Transition Services at the Nisonger Center, a University Center of Excellence on Disabilities at the Ohio State University. With over 36 years of experience in the special education field, Margo has extensive experience with the transition from high school to college and careers. Currently, Margo is the Principal Investigator of six grants designed to improve the academic, transition and employment outcomes of students with disabilities at both the secondary and postsecondary levels. Margo has developed educational curricula for students with disabilities, conducted numerous trainings, focus groups, and interviews with teachers and students, and has published 25 peer-reviewed articles and five book chapters on disability and transition issues. In 1996, she was awarded the Mary E. Switzer Fellowship from the National Institute of Disability Rehabilitation Research. Margo served on the AUCD Board of Directors as Chair of the Council on Research and Evaluation (CORE). As Past President of the Division of Career Development and Transition, she provides leadership to national, state and regional committees to improve the quality of educational and transition services.
Margo’s most recent 2016 publication is a book she co-authored with LeDerick Horne entitled: Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success, published by Brookes Publishing Co. As professionals with hidden disabilities, the co-authors share their story of making peace with their own disability and developing disability pride. More information about Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities can be found here. For more information, please see Margo’s website at www.margoizzophd.com.
Charles McFadden
Chief Technology Officer and Head of Engineering, Communication Service for the DeafCharles McFadden (or Chaz as his friends tend to call him) grew up in Akron, Ohio. His recognition of the value technology can bring to society began when he came across an interactive, computerized typewriter, his first experience with a fully accessible and responsive system. The experience stayed with him and eventually led him to study computer science in college. Chaz is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Computer Science and Villanova University with an MBA. He holds a Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT) credential from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). He currently serves as Chair of the Board Directors for the Deaf Hearing Communication Centre (DHCC) in Philadelphia, as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh, and as member of the Board of Directors for the RIT/NTID Alumni Association in Rochester. He currently is the Chief Technology Officer at Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), and leads the CSD Engineering initiative, which designs and innovates technologies through a deaf-centered lens.
Joey Ramp
Disability Rights Advocate and NeuroscientistJoey Ramp has been an advocate for disability services with a focus on people with service dogs, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) since 2012. She completed a degree in Biocognitive Neuroscience in the spring of 2019 which is an interdisciplinary collaboration between Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Molecular and Cellular Biology. Joey joined the Rhodes’ Lab at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois in the summer of 2017 to conduct a 2-year study to determine the effect of a service dog on rodent physiology and behavior.
She is accompanied everywhere by her service dog Sampson who was named the 2018 Service Dog of the Year by the American Kennel Club Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) for their dedication as advocates for service dog handlers in science. Their work as partners to develop access protocol for service dogs in laboratories has been recognized internationally. Joey is the Founder of Empower Ability Consulting, a consulting and mentoring firm that helps people with disabilities transition into academics.
Joey volunteers her time speaking to organizations like the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), and advocating for people with service dogs, PTSD, TBI, and/or are victims of sexual or domestic violence. As a problem-solver Joey is passionate about developing innovative solutions for equal access to an education with a focus on science and research. She is passionate about securing equal opportunities and equal rights for all people with disabilities in academics and the workplace, and breaking down institutional, physical, and societal barriers that prevent people with disabilities from living their lives to the fullest. She is also the Vice President and Co-Founder of the not-for-profit organization International Alliance for Ability in Science that provides mentorship and scholarships to students with disabilities in science. Opportunities, not obstacles. Solutions, not situations. Breakthroughs, not barriers.
Ishtiaq Ahmed
Disability Rights Advocate and Fulbright ScholarIshtiaq Ahmed is a Fulbright Scholar and fourth-year doctoral student at The Ohio State University. As a disability advocate, he is working on the mathematics education and inclusion of high school students with visual impairments. Based on his experiences as both a student and a teacher with a visual impairment, he believes that students with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, encounter a multitude of accessibility issues. As a consequence, these students are largely underrepresented in STEM majors. His dissertation research primarily focuses on the inclusion of students with visual impairments in mathematics education. He strongly believe that these students can succeed in mathematics when provided multisensory experiences and alternative instructional material. Stakeholders should acknowledge these students’ individual learning experiences and make sincere efforts to assimilate them into a regular school system. Mr. Ahmed hopes to contribute to this underexplored area of research as he continues to advocate for this vulnerable community.
Dr. Allison McGrath
Assistant Professor of Special Education at Otterbein UniversityDr. Allison McGrath is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Otterbein University and former special education teacher. She teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in the Intervention Specialist program. Dr. McGrath's research interests include inclusive education, students with learning disabilities, science instruction and middle school.
Heather Bridgman
Assistive Technology ConsultantHeather Bridgman has been working in the field of Assistive Technology for more than 20 years. She currently works at the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). She has a master’s degree in systems engineering as well as a teaching license in the area of high school mathematics. Current projects include the development of the Assistive Technology Internet Modules (ATIM) and the Student Inventory for Technology Support (SIFTS). She has presented at numerous state and regional conferences on a wide variety of AT tools and systems to build capacity at a local level. She is also an adjunct instructor in the area of assistive technology at Ashland University and co-author of the book, Show Me: A Teacher’s Guide to Video Modeling.
Adrienne Provenzano
NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, STEM/Arts Integration EducatorAdrienne Provenzano, J.D., B.S., B.A., is an innovative and accomplished STEM and Arts Integration educator as well as a professional musician and independent scholar, with a particular expertise in women’s history. As an informal educator, her volunteer affiliations include the NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors Program and the CASIS Space Station Ambassadors Program. In 2017, at the UNOOSA and UN Women’s Space for Women Experts Meeting, Ms. Provenzano sang and spoke on the vital role of arts and humanities in leveraging STEM education and career opportunities for girls and women. Since 2013, she has presented annually at the SEEC (Space Exploration Educators Conference) at Space Center Houston to inspire and train K-12 educators to incorporate the arts and humanities into their teaching.
She presented on “The Women of the NACA: STEM Stories to Inspire Future Generations” at the 2015 NACA 100 Symposium held at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and sang and spoke on “Women Astronauts: Civil Rights Agents of Change for Gender Equity” at the 2017 NASA in the ‘Long’ Civil Rights Movement Conference hosted by Marshall Space Flight Center at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Ms. Provenzano holds degrees from Arcadia University, The University of Pennsylvania, and Indiana University and graduate education credits from Butler University.
Caroline Karbowski
Student and Founder of See3DCaroline Karbowski is from Cincinnati, OH and will be a second-year biology major at The Ohio State University. Her passion for 3D printing for people who are blind started with her desire to learn braille in 6th grade so she could read books in the car without becoming dizzy. After seeing how 3D printing could be used to make telescope and microscope images tactile and accessible, she became inspired to create her own 3D printing organization, See3D, which prints and distributes 3D printed models for people who are blind. Caroline loves visiting schools for the blind, going to conventions, and sharing the ideas she has learned. She gave a TEDx talk on See3D, spoke at the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio State Convention, and most recently went to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting and met with the Foundation for Science and Disability. She hopes that by making labs, textbooks, and presentations more accessible, more people will be able to provide their unique perspective, which will benefit the learning of all.
Ralph Crewe
Carnegie Science Center Program Development CoordinatorRalph Crewe has been an informal science educator at Carnegie Science Center for 10 years. As Program Development Coordinator, he runs public astronomy sessions, the Café Sci lecture series, helps to develop outreach programs that travel across the US, hosts the SNaQ podcast, writes astronomical articles for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, makes frequent science news appearances on local TV and radio stations, plays a major role in planetarium operations, and brings his love of science to the community in as many ways as possible. He is a member of the accessibility task force at the science center and has been involved in ASL training for science center staff, sensory sensitive events for families as well as adults, sighted guide tours of PPG Science Pavilion, and the presentation of accessible astronomy. He is deeply committed to bringing the sense of curiosity, wonder and delight for which the science center is known to every member of the community.
Justin Tognarine
Carnegie Science Center Operations ManagerJustin Tognarine is the Operations Manager at Carnegie Science Center. This includes overseeing Accessibility Initiatives. Under his direction, the museum has introduced the first sensory sensitive events, provided accessibility guidance with opening the new PPG Science Pavilion, and began internal and community accessibility groups.
Danielle Purtell
Medical StudentDanielle Purtell is a medical student at Tulane University School of Medicine. She is proud to use her degree in evolutionary anthropology, certificate in gerontology, and her experience living with chronic illness to study and practice medicine from a unique and empathetic perspective. She intends to serve the geriatric population as a primary care physician, advocate, and leader.
Gabriela Serrato Marks
Oceanography Ph.D. Candidate and Patient AdvocateGabi is a Ph.D. candidate in the MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography. Her research focuses on past climate change in Mexico using stalagmites. Outside of lab, she writes science articles for a public audience and advocates for disabled people in STEM. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram as @gserratomarks.
Dr. Kumiko Usuda-Sato
Outreach Scientist at the National Astronomical Observatory of JapanDr. Kumiko Usuda-Sato is a Ph.D. astronomer at the Public Relations Center of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). She works with visually impaired people to develop tactile models using a 3D printer and supervised the "Touch the Universe" special exhibit at the Tactile Museum of Japan Braille Library in 2018. She is also a member of "Astronomy Sign Language Working Group" in Japan, and was in charge of collecting the first 47 astronomy words of sign language in Japan, which are listed “Hands in the Stars” sign language project lead by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
Dr. Christopher Atchison
Executive Director of the International Association for Geoscience Diversity and Associate Professor at the University of CincinnatiDr. Chris Atchison is an Associate Professor of Geoscience Education in the School of Education and Department of Geology at the University of Cincinnati. His research focuses on the engagement and active participation in the Earth sciences for students, instructors, and geoscience professionals with physical, sensory, and developmental disabilities. Dr. Atchison also trains K-20 educators to support students in the classroom through universal designed workshops and conducts accessible geoscience field courses for students and instructors with disabilities. Additionally, he is the Executive Director of the International Association for Geoscience Diversity (IAGD), a non-profit organization, founded in 2008, that is improving access to the geosciences for individuals with disabilities by implementing inclusive communities of research, instruction, and student support. The IAGD network extends to over 40 countries around the world with a formal chapter in the United Kingdom (DiG-UK).
Dr. Thomas Madura
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at San Jose State UniversityDr. Thomas Madura is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at San Jose State University (SJSU). He is a theoretical and computational astrophysicist that specializes in the study of massive stars, and astronomy outreach and education for students with visual impairments (VI). Prior to his position at SJSU, he worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where he developed a program to 3D print astrophysical objects to help teach astronomy to students with VI. He has expertise in various 3D printing technologies (Madura 2017), having produced the world’s first 3D print of a nebula based on astronomical observations (Steffen et al. 2014) and the first 3D prints of a supercomputer simulation of a dynamical astrophysical system (Madura et al. 2015a,b).
In cooperation with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and the Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Dr. Madura led the development and implementation of several STEM summer programs for high school students with VI. Dr. Madura is a member of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Commission C1 on Astronomy Education and Development, and the IAU Working Group for Astronomy for Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Madura also participates in and gives talks at national and international conferences that focus on serving the needs of individuals with VI, including National Council of State Agencies for the Blind Training Conferences, the Visual Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Expo, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Conferences, and the IAU General Assemblies.
Courtney Leverenz
Aerospace Engineering Student and Outreach AdvocateCourtney Leverenz is a junior in aerospace engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). She works at CU Aerospace as an Undergraduate Engineering Research Assistant and manages the 3D printers and laser cutter for her University’s Department of Aerospace. Courtney is a member of the executive board of the Illinois Space Society and has heavily participated in various technical projects including rocketry, mission design, and tool development initiatives. Courtney is the organizer of the S.O.L.A.R. Power Project (Space-Oriented Learning and EmPOWERment), an educational outreach event specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. This event was inspired by Courtney’s sister who is diagnosed with Autism. The S.O.L.A.R Power Project offers guidance and encouragement for all individuals to become involved with STEM and is hosted through the Illinois Space Society.
Dr. Vicki-Lynn Holmes
Associate Professor of Mathematics and EducationDr. Vicki-Lynn Holmes participates in the scholarly blend of mathematics and education. Her research focuses on the pedagogy of teaching mathematics and the statistical underpinnings that allow research to drive instruction. Her passion is education reform that enables all children to learn and excel in mathematics. She has served as the regional director of Michigan’s National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM), conducted Teaching Algebra Concepts through Technology (TACT2) workshops for the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, and has written three books, two algebra textbooks and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles.
Dr. Holmes holds two doctorates (in mathematics and religion), two master’s degrees (in mathematics and English) and a bachelor of arts degree in linguistics. Dr. Holmes joined the Hope faculty in 2009. Earlier, she founded Wilson Academy, a school in Atlanta for boys who had fallen through the cracks. Dr. Holmes also has served as a principal and a teacher of English and of mathematics at public and private schools in California, Georgia and Maryland. While completing her doctoral studies she taught as an adjunct instructor at Brown Mackie College and DeVry University.
Nicole Johnson
Tactile Illustrator and Ph.D. CandidateNicole Johnson is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Colorado Boulder in the ATLAS (Alliance for Technology, Learning and Society) Institute. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in biophysics from Central Washington University and has five years of experience producing tactile graphics for higher education textbooks used by blind or visually impaired students nationwide. Research topics include accessible STEM content, tactile graphic usability, and innovations in technology that will improve alternative-media systems in education.
Tema Krempley
Social Work Graduate Student and Autistic Self-AdvocateTema Krempley is an Autistic individual/woman who is completing her graduate degree at The Ohio State University College of Social Work. She is currently working as an intern, fulfilling her advanced field placement hours at the Nisonger Center. Her responsibilities include facilitating Aspirations group sessions, a 10-week social skills program, and mentoring students in the Ace! program to develop independent life skills, social communication skills, and employment skills. Additionally, she has a strong interest in Nisonger's Early Childhood Education Center. Tema has created a four-week curriculum on self-advocacy that will include the topics of self-awareness, communication, leadership, and knowledge of rights. The program will take place in June of 2019 at the Nisonger Center. Tema has extensive background in a variety of interventions for Autism from diverse fields; these include Special Education, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and Social Work. Furthermore, she is a speaker and panelist who has presented in classes, schools, county panels, and a statewide conference. Tema is a practiced self-advocate who has used her skills in school, work, political, and social venues.
Courtney Cooke
Director of Theatre Education at Columbus Children’s TheatreCourtney is the Director of Theatre Education at Columbus Children’s Theatre (CCT) and holds a MA in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities from New York University. While at NYU Courtney stage managed two seasons of Shakespeare to Go! (a company that tours abridged Shakespeare to K-12 students across NYC), studied community-engaged theatre in Dublin, Ireland, and worked in a Manhattan elementary school through America Reads. She also earned a BA in Theatre from the College of Wooster where, for her Senior Independent Study, Courtney created educational outreach programs for the mainstage season and was an education intern with The 52nd Street Project (NY, NY).
Her stage management credits at Wooster included Nocturne, which opened the 2007 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Courtney has also worked as an after school and summer camp director for nonprofit organizations in both New York and Columbus, OH. Her work at CCT includes directing and facilitating the organization’s accessible programming including Sensory Friendly trainings and performances, Touch Tours, and the administration for Audio Described and ASL interpreted performances. Courtney currently serves on the CCT Strategic Planning Committee, the Kennedy Center’s 2019 LEAD Conference Content Committee, and the 2019 standards revisions working group for Ohio’s Learning Standards for Fine Arts- Drama.
Dr. Christopher Orban
Physics Professor and Lead of the STEMCoding ProjectDr. Orban is a Professor of Physics at Ohio State. He has a background in computational astrophysics and he is using his expertise to develop innovative resources that integrate coding into high school physics and astronomy classrooms as part of the STEMcoding project. A key effort of the STEMcoding project is their youtube channel, which features women and underrepresented groups so that kids can see undergrads and grad students who look like them doing coding and science and having fun. Prof. Orban was also the lead advisor to the Ohio Department of Education on their astronomy science standards and resources for special education.
Jesika Lehner
Student Program Coordinator at Columbus Children’s TheatreJesika, Student Program Coordinator at Columbus Children’s Theatre (CCT), holds a dual degree in vocal music performance and musical theatre from Ohio Northern University. At CCT, in addition to managing various education programs, Jesika assists in the coordination and facilitation of the organization’s accessible programming, including Sensory Friendly Performances, Touch Tours, Audio Description, and ASL interpretation. She has been an active participant in Columbus theatre over the past several years. She has been seen in Short North Stage’s productions of Sunday in the Park with George and Mamma Mia, several productions with Evolution Theatre Company, Company with SRO Theatre Company and Sweeny Todd with Imagine, for which she won a Jebby Award for Best Lead Actress in a Local Musical. Jesika relishes the opportunity to see each young child grow and become all they can through theatre.
Dr. Richelle Teeling-Smith
Assistant Professor of Physics and AstronomyDr. Teeling-Smith is an Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Mount Union in Ohio. She is an active member of the STEMcoding Project and Director of STEMcoding camp for high school girls at Mount Union. Dr. Teeling Smith assists in implementing coding modules designed to integrate computational thinking and computer programming skills into introductory physics classrooms at the high school and college level.
Madison Piccinich
Social Work Graduate Student and Nisonger Center LEND TraineeMadison Piccinich received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from The Ohio State University, May 2019. She will begin the Advanced Master's Program at OSU in June 2019 along with the Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders (LEND) Fellowship program at Nisonger Center. Madison has five years experience working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and plans to continue working with this population throughout her career. Her ultimate goal is to obtain her Ph.D. and open a private practice serving persons with disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and playing with her puppy, Orvis.
Lindsay Yazzolino
Tactile Design SpecialistMadison Piccinich received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from The Ohio State University, May 2019. She will begin the Advanced Master's Program at OSU in June 2019 along with the Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders (LEND) Fellowship program at Nisonger Center. Madison has five years experience working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and plans to continue working with this population throughout her career. Her ultimate goal is to obtain her Ph.D. and open a private practice serving persons with disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and playing with her puppy, Orvis.
Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai
Head of Research and Chief Accessibility OfficerDr. Mahadeo Sukhai is the Head of Research and Chief Accessibility Officer of the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB). Dr. Sukhai is Canada’s only congenitally blind biomedical research scientist, and the world’s first congenitally blind geneticist. Dr. Sukhai’s research program focuses on indicators of social inclusion – particularly education, employment and technology use – for Canadians who are blind or partially sighted, as well as measurement of healthcare outcomes for the blind or partially sighted population. Dr. Sukhai is passionate about accessibility, inclusion and universal design in education – particularly science education – and in the workplace.
Prior to accepting his current role at CNIB, Dr. Sukhai obtained his Ph.D. in cancer genetics from the University of Toronto, and completed two postdoctoral fellowships in cancer genomics and experimental therapeutics. Dr. Sukhai served as, first, Scientific Team Lead for the Advanced Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, and then as Head of the Variant Interpretation Group in the Division of Genome Diagnostics at the University Health Network. Dr. Sukhai also conducted a parallel research career in student experience and higher education, focusing on the experience of students with disabilities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and Mathematics), and in graduate and postdoctoral training. Dr. Sukhai is the principal investigator of nationwide initiatives in Canada to examine the student experience, culminating in his serving as the Principal Investigator and lead author of Creating a Culture of Accessibility in the Sciences, published in 2016. Dr. Sukhai brings a wealth of experience to the conversations around accessibility and inclusion in the STEM education, digital and online learning, and employment settings.
Dr. Kevin Galat
Ph.D. ChemistDr. Kevin Galat was diagnosed with Autism in 1972 at the age of 5; though it was not until the age of 35 that Dr. Galat was told of his diagnosis. After being told their son was Autistic, Dr. Galat’s parents were encouraged to place him into an institution. Instead, they chose to find ways to set standards and instill in him a lifelong desire to learn and grow as an individual and professional. Others along the way challenged him in unique ways and/or opened up who they were to help fill in gaps dealing with interpersonal relationships where one on the spectrum is “blind”. Dr. Galat received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Akron and has begun to share his story to encourage others who are on the spectrum of Autism as well as their parents. Clearly, he has exceeded the expectations of those who originally diagnosed him in 1972. Dr. Galat currently volunteers with Aspirations, a program of The OSU Nisonger Center that provides social support for teens and young adults with Autism. He is also gainfully employed at Chemical Abstracts Service and works at building the world's largest scientific database.
Dr. Carol Christian
Outreach Project Scientist for the Hubble Space TelescopeDr. Kevin Galat was diagnosed with Autism in 1972 at the age of 5; though it was not until the age of 35 that Dr. Galat was told of his diagnosis. After being told their son was Autistic, Dr. Galat’s parents were encouraged to place him into an institution. Instead, they chose to find ways to set standards and instill in him a lifelong desire to learn and grow as an individual and professional. Others along the way challenged him in unique ways and/or opened up who they were to help fill in gaps dealing with interpersonal relationships where one on the spectrum is “blind”. Dr. Galat received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Akron and has begun to share his story to encourage others who are on the spectrum of Autism as well as their parents. Clearly, he has exceeded the expectations of those who originally diagnosed him in 1972. Dr. Galat currently volunteers with Aspirations, a program of The OSU Nisonger Center that provides social support for teens and young adults with Autism. He is also gainfully employed at Chemical Abstracts Service and works at building the world's largest scientific database.
Joanne Vakil
OSU STEM Education PhD Student and Middle School TeacherDr. Kevin Galat was diagnosed with Autism in 1972 at the age of 5; though it was not until the age of 35 that Dr. Galat was told of his diagnosis. After being told their son was Autistic, Dr. Galat’s parents were encouraged to place him into an institution. Instead, they chose to find ways to set standards and instill in him a lifelong desire to learn and grow as an individual and professional. Others along the way challenged him in unique ways and/or opened up who they were to help fill in gaps dealing with interpersonal relationships where one on the spectrum is “blind”. Dr. Galat received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Akron and has begun to share his story to encourage others who are on the spectrum of Autism as well as their parents. Clearly, he has exceeded the expectations of those who originally diagnosed him in 1972. Dr. Galat currently volunteers with Aspirations, a program of The OSU Nisonger Center that provides social support for teens and young adults with Autism. He is also gainfully employed at Chemical Abstracts Service and works at building the world's largest scientific database.
Jordan Dellinger
Licensed Social WorkerJordan Dellinger is a graduate of The Ohio State University’s Master of Social Work program with an interdisciplinary specialization in Disability Studies. She is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the State of Ohio with over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental disabilities. Recently, she developed and delivered several trainings in neurodiversity and Autistic culture to employees, students, and other affiliates of The Ohio State University and the OSU Wexner Medical Center. Her prior professional experience has included early intervention, social skills interventions, higher education inclusion, and career-building support. A strong academic interest in critical disability theory, neurodiversity, and Autistic culture has guided her approach to practice. She is passionate in her efforts to further a paradigm shift in hegemonic societal views of disability and Autism in academic and medical settings.
Rosalba Giarratano
NASA Office of Education InternJordan Dellinger is a graduate of The Ohio State University’s Master of Social Work program with an interdisciplinary specialization in Disability Studies. She is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the State of Ohio with over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental disabilities. Recently, she developed and delivered several trainings in neurodiversity and Autistic culture to employees, students, and other affiliates of The Ohio State University and the OSU Wexner Medical Center. Her prior professional experience has included early intervention, social skills interventions, higher education inclusion, and career-building support. A strong academic interest in critical disability theory, neurodiversity, and Autistic culture has guided her approach to practice. She is passionate in her efforts to further a paradigm shift in hegemonic societal views of disability and Autism in academic and medical settings.
Joseph Giarratano
Student and Accessibility AdvocateJoseph M. Giarratano is a rising sixth grader at a public school in Queens, NY. He has studied American Sign Language and Deaf Culture for over a year and he has attended several accessibility workshops at the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library in Manhattan, NY. Joseph has met with local councilmen in an effort to push for availability of ASL story-times and Braille materials in public libraries in NYC. Joseph has also been a student researcher for NASA Langley Research Center, helping to collect and analyze aerosol optical thickness measurements. When he watched a training video about aerosols particulate matter, he realized blind students would miss a lot of the information conveyed through visuals. He then decided to learn how to describe online videos. Joseph would like to invite teachers to empower their students to describe other science educational videos that are still not fully accessible to all students.
Dr. Peter Mecca
Biologist and High School Biology TeacherDr. Peter Mecca has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and Ecology from Pennsylvania State University (PSU), an M.A. degree in Environmental Biology from Hood College, and a B.S. degree in Secondary Education – Biology from PSU. He has experience as a public school teacher (MD, NY, VA), administrator (NY), and a university faculty member (SUNY College at Oneonta, University of Wisconsin at La Crosse). Dr. Mecca has served as a science education consultant in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. He currently serves as a consultant in the Middle East for a major textbook publisher. Prior to his current position, Dr. Mecca served as the Instructional Systems Specialist for Science with the U.S. Department of Defense Schools. He is a member in the National Association of Biology Teachers, the Virginia Association of Science Teachers, the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, and the Council of State Science Supervisors.
Jason Gepperth
Disability and STEM Support SpecialistJason Gepperth is a passionate advocate for “beyond accommodation” developmental programming that addresses systematic gaps in college achievement and employability in the disability realm. He is the Program Coordinator for Ohio’s STEM Ability Alliance at Wright State University, a National Science Foundation grant-funded initiative designed to address the underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities in STEM fields. This program has been a success in longevity, size, and scope, generating results for an at-risk population in retention, graduation, and grad school/employment placement far surpassing Wright State University’s general population as well as State of Ohio and national outcomes. He is the #1 college site recruiter out of 360 participating institutions for the 2019-2020 Workforce Recruitment Program, an initiative designed to increase disability representation in the federal workforce, and provides a range of disability-specific career programming and support that has led hundreds of WRP participants to receive federal internships and jobs over the last few years. His most recent effort is the Autism-At-Work collaboration between himself and the Wright Patterson Air Force Base. This program, piloted in the Spring of 2018, is the first federal autism-specific hiring and sustained employment initiative in the United States and was singled out for distinction at an annual disability forum at the Pentagon for the Department of Defense in December 2018. Jason hopes that this program will continue to address concerns related to un/underemployment for degree-holding members of the Autism community.
Molly Fore
HR Specialist at Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force BaseMolly Fore currently serves in the Department of Defense (DoD) as Strategic Advisor, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) Affirmative Employment Program (AEP) at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Ms. Fore functions as principal AEP Manager for the AF’s largest command that executes a $60 billion annual budget and a workforce of approximately 80,000 military/civilian personnel located at 96 distinct locations around the world.
She directly governs a functional staff of 54 employment professionals across nine national sites to ensure federal AEP legal compliance for AFMC. Ms. Fore diligently works with AFMC senior leadership to shape an inclusive and dynamic workforce to deliver war –winning expeditionary capabilities and provides oversight, direction and control for all AEP and Special Emphasis activities within AFMC. In her current role within AFMC, she also serves as the command subject matter expert on a variety of civilian personnel staffing functions such as Congressional and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) directed Expedite Hiring Authorities, Direct Hiring Authorities, other non-competitive and delegated examining hiring authorities, compensation and pay setting for over 20 Federal pay systems, incentives to include relocation, retention (group and individual), recruitment, student loan repayment, service credit for annual leave, fingerprinting and civilian suitability, and civilian deployments including danger pay and hazardous pay differential counseling and processing.
Jennifer Barga
Disability and STEM Support SpecialistA case manager in the Office of Disability Services, Jennifer works with a cohort of Ohio's STEM Ability Alliance students, as well as with students with ADHD and Learning Disabilities. Her background in classroom teaching and education allows her to focus on developing academic skills that are necessary for success in college. Intensive developmental advising is the core of her work with students.